Separatists release two captives after receiving ransom, keep others hostage

Suspected separatist fighters have released two ladies who were kidnapped in Akum, Santa Sub Division, of the North West Region of Cameroon.

Separatist fighters are said to have intercepted their vehicle while they were en route to the West Region on September 5, 2023.

The kidnappers dropped the ladies off at Santa on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

They informed us that they paid a ransom before setting them free. Separatists accused them of violating lockdown operations.

A source close to one of the victims stated that they paid an undisclosed amount of money but refused to disclose the exact sum.

“The amount doesn’t matter; what matters is that she is safe and unharmed after days in captivity. The authorities should look into this crisis. It’s not a joking matter,” the source, who spoke on the basis of anonymity, said.

Our source added that some of the abductees have remained in captivity, because of their “inability to raise the funds requested.”

Separatists claim they kidnapped them because they “violated the ban on movement.”

Commuters have stopped using the stretch since the attack and kidnap took place this month.

People who left other regions for the restive town of Bamenda were compelled to stay in hotels in Mbouda or Bafoussam, awaiting Saturday when it was announced that the road would resume circulation.

The North West administration has also not officially reacted Tuesday, September 4, 2023 incident.

This is not the first time that a vehicle has been attacked at Akum, Santa subdivision, on the outskirts of the North West Region of Cameroon.